Animation: The Animated World

Animation is a powerful means of creating works that entertain, enlighten, and amaze us. Students learn first-hand the techniques and principles of animation, starting with hand-drawn pencil-and-paper animation and moving to computer-generated 2-D animation. Throughout the unit, they look at how animated movies use the principles of animation as well as the elements of art and principles of design.

Length: 45 50-minute sessions

Unit Project DescriptionStudents develop an idea for an animated movie based on a fairy tale, myth, folktale, or short story. They create a design for the main character, choose a moment from the story, and animate that moment. At the end of the unit, students pitch their animated movie idea.

Note: These recommended Web sites have been checked for availability and for advertising and other inappropriate content. Because Web sites' policies and content change frequently, however, we suggest that you preview the sites shortly before using them.